Twelfth edition of the Caribbean Festival of Arts

The procession which departed from the gymnasium Vincent had marched through the streets of the capital to reach the Kiosk Occyde Jeanty (Champ de Mars) where everything was set for the beginning of gala cultural event of the Caribbean. The ten day program was scheduled to be held simultaneously in 5 different Haitian cities: Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, Les Cayes, Gonaives and Cap-Haitien. Earlier, the organizing committee had unveiled their official program of activities (which is a total of about 150 events and performances) for each city. The theme of CARIFESTA XII was 'Our Roots, Our Culture and Our Common Future.'

The Haitian President who was present in the opening ceremony has said he was very pleased to see that CARIFESTA XII is happening in Haiti. He expressed his gratitude to the CARICOM Secretary General and the members of the CARICOM States for helping to make it happen. President Desi Bouterse of Suriname, the host of CARIFESTA XI in 2013, has passed the CARIFESTA Baton to President Michel Martelly of Haiti, Host of CARIFESTA XII, 2015. From Saturday (August 22) onwards there was an exhibition "Shared Memories" at the Haitian National Museum (MUPANAH) and the opening of the Grand Market in Champ de Mars.